Health Sciences

Australian Institute for Primary Care (AIPC)

Gerontology Program

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontology
Master of Gerontology

Instructions for 2010 re-enrolment

The gerontology courses are conducted through the Lincoln Centre for Research on Ageing, a core unit of the AIPC, with staff from the Centre contributing to the development, teaching and research aspects of the program.

These courses aim to meet the needs of a wide range of graduates who wish to develop the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in areas associated with older people. The program is relevant to health and human services professionals including managers, medical practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals such as dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, pharmacists, and podiatrists.

The program is multi-disciplinary in its approach and integrates biological, psychological and social perspectives on ageing. Content addresses the promotion of healthy ageing and independence, as well as services and policies related to the support and care needs of frail older people.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to these courses, an applicant will normally be required to hold a degree or diploma in health sciences or a related area which provides an adequate background for the program. Applicants without such qualifications but with relevant experience may be permitted entry into the Graduate Certificate or single subjects where appropriate. Selection criteria may include work experience and skills.

Course Structure

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

The course is offered on a part-time basis over one to two years and consists of:

• Foundation Studies in Gerontology (GER4FSG)
• Care and Support Services for Older People (GER4CSS) plus
• any other two subjects (not electives) offered in the postgraduate diploma listed below.

Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontology

The course is normally undertaken on a part-time basis, but it may be undertaken full-time over one year. It consists of eight subjects and students are required to complete:

• the core subjects — GER4FSG, GER4CSS and Health and Wellbeing of Older People (GER4HWB) plus
• any other five subjects from the list below.

Please note that GER4FSG must be taken in the first semester of study. It is advisable to study electives in the second half of the program.

The subjects in the course are as follows:

 * This subject must be: taken at postgraduate level; equivalent to 39 hours (15 credit points); and related to gerontology. It can be taken from any faculty within the University or from another institution. Enrolment in the elective is subject to the approval of the Course Coordinator.

Master of Gerontology

The course addresses the urgent need in Australia for highly trained professionals who can respond to the diverse and growing challenges of an ageing population. The aims of the course are to:

• Establish a community of Australian professionals who have advanced conceptual knowledge and skills in the area of ageing
• Develop a base of research and professional practice skills which can be applied to further advance knowledge in the field
• Equip professionals with knowledge, attitudes and skills for promoting a positive approach towards working with older people and improving the quality of services for older people
• Enhance the leadership and career potential for practitioners and graduates from relevant professions
• Develop analytical and practical skills that enable professionals to contribute effectively to the development, management and evaluation of programs for healthy older people, as well as frail older people and their care-givers.

The course is designed to integrate theory, practice and research in gerontology in a two-tier structure. The coursework comprises the first stage and provides the basic knowledge and skills in the field; namely, a multidisciplinary approach to ageing, research skills in gerontology, and areas of application to older people in policy and clinical contexts. The second stage includes an extension of coursework with a substantial application to a range of fields and professions in gerontology, and a research thesis in a specialised area of gerontology. The course is taught by a multidisciplinary team from a wide range of relevant areas.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have appropriate backgrounds in the social or health sciences and experience in aged care, nursing, allied health, public policy or public administration. Applicants are eligible for admission to the Master of Gerontology if they have one of the following:

• A four year bachelor degree with a B average (70%+) or higher
• A three year bachelor degree plus honours with a B average (70%) or higher
• A three year bachelor degree plus a relevant postgraduate diploma with a B average (70%+) or higher
• A Master’s or higher degree.

Course Structure

The course is provided on a full-time basis over two years or a part-time over four years. The suggested structure is:

Part 1
Part 1 of the Master of Gerontology is comprised of subjects of the Postgraduate Diploma of Gerontology. If you have successfully completed another relevant postgraduate qualification, you may be eligible for advance standing for part or all of this component of the Master’s degree.

Part 2
Part 2 can be taken full-time over one year or part-time over two years. A typical pattern of study, if the course is taken as 50% of full-time, is presented below:

*This subject must be at a Master’s level, equivalent to 39 hours (15 credit points) and related to gerontology. It can be taken from any faculty within the University or from another institution. Enrolment in the elective is subject to the approval of the Course Coordinator.

NOTES:
Subjects coded ‘4’ are level 4 graduate certificate or postgraduate diploma units. Those coded ‘5’ are Master’s level units. Some interchange is possible, but the Course Coordinator must approve all enrolments. 

Application Process

Domestic applicants should fill in the following 2010 Application form and return to:

Ms Sonia Chiappa
Postgraduate Student Services Officer
Faculty of Health Sciences
La Trobe University Victoria 3086

If you are unable to download the Application form, please email s.chiappa@latrobe.edu.au to request that a copy be sent to you.